San Francisco

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San Francisco is an incredibly diverse city that is also a major tourist destination, so it’s no surprise that over 100,000 people will take part in this city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. It is the largest St. Patrick’s Day event west of the Mississippi and has been going strong since 1852. For a long time, the Irish were the largest ethnic group in San Francisco. As the population moved out of the area, the popularity of the event has stayed strong, though.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the various St. Patrick’s Day festivities in San Francisco. It’s so much more than just a parade!

When and Where

Because the event is so large and popular, the parade is held on a weekend instead of on the traditional day itself. In 2016, the parade will be held on Saturday, March 12th. The parade starts at around 11:30 AM and usually lasts a couple of hours.

You’ll also want to plan on spending time at the festival that accompanies the parade (more info below).

Best Spot for Viewing the Parade

Generally, the crowds get thicker the closer you are positioned to the Civic Center. There are usually fewer people at around Market and McAllister where the route turns.

If you have kids with you, this area is probably your top choice.

What is the Food and Drink Situation?

In addition to places along the route, you’ll find plenty of food, drinks, and beer (Guinness!) at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival which is located at the Civic Center, where the parade ends.

You’ll also find Irish coffee if you prefer your alcohol to be coffee-flavored.

You can bring your own food and refreshments, but you aren’t allowed to enter the food area with outside supplies. So if you want some green beverages to accompany your homemade corned beef sandwich, you’ll need to send in a friend or something.

Is the Festival Kid Friendly?

This is probably one of the most family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day events. You’ll find the children’s area on Grover Street which is just south of the plaza. They can burn off some extra energy while participating in games and going on rides.

They’ll also find candy to help them refuel when it’s time to leave.

What Else is Happening at the Festival?

The festival starts at 9 AM and runs until 5 PM. This year the theme is Celebrating the 1916 Uprising.

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just about wearing green and dressing like a leprechaun. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Irish culture, and the festival will offer some fun ways to do just that.

In addition to food and beverage vendors, there will be live music and performances, like traditional Irish dance, at the main stage throughout the day.

Additional Information

It’s a good idea to leave the festivities before 4 PM. As the day goes on, the number of people can get much larger and a bit more wild. When things get closed down and people are leaving en masse, human and vehicle traffic can get really crazy.

You can always continue your St. Paddy festivities in a nearby Irish restaurant anyway.

St. Pat’s in San Fran: Tips for the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade was last modified: March 29th, 2016 by ParkWhiz Staff

October baseball’s been good to the Giants this decade. After a six-year playoff drought, San Francisco returned to the postseason with a thud, winning 11 of its 15 games en route to a World Series Championship. Just two years later San Francisco did it again, squeaking out of the National League bracket before sweeping Detroit in the World Series for its second title in three years. After an empty 2013, the Giants are back as fans who hit AT&T Park parking for postseason baseball strap themselves in for another playoff journey.

The 2014 regular season was an up-and-down campaign for San Francisco. The season before ended with a 76-and-86 record and the first losing year for the Giants in four seasons. A dedicated fan base, not used to losing baseball of late, expected a rebound, and at first, that’s what they got. By early June, San Francisco had raced out to a 42-and-21 start, mounting a 10-game over the second-place Dodgers.

That double-digit lead evaporated in just over a month, as a rough stretch for San Francisco let Los Angeles overtake first place in the N.L. West. It’s a lead L.A. would not surrender, but the Giants got their act together to make a push for the wild card, which they clinched last weekend.

The celebration will soon turn into fingernail biting, as a wild card berth in Major League Baseball today is a dicey proposition. Up until 2012, wild card winners were routed straight into the leagues Divisional Series, a best three-out-of-five. Now, wild card winners square off against one another in a one-game playoff, leaving no margin for error. So a potential World Series run this year is far more treacherous for the Giants than in years past, as this one could be over just hours after it starts.

The quest likely begins on the road in Pittsburgh (or possibly St. Louis), where the Pirates won 62% of their games this season. Should the Giants survive the game, they can be assured of some home action and San Francisco Giants parking for the NLDS.

San Francisco Giants onto the post season was last modified: September 22nd, 2014 by Rick Foresee

San Francisco offers some of the best live music venues in the country. Check out the live music coming to a San Francisco music venue near you!

Great American Music Hall – Dawes – 10/4This 4 man group out of LA travels up the PCH to spread it’s crisp and simple rhythms with clear full harmonies, a call back to Americana. Dawes departed from it’s more indie rock roots and honed in on a more relaxed driving force compounded by smooth guitar riffs and lyrics of yesteryear.

Spend a very special evening with one of NYC’s most prolific rappers. Ever since stepping onto the rap scene with his 1994 release Illmatic Nas has been a tour-de-force continually pumping out hit after hit. Gather with other fans and bounce with Nas as he raps and premiers his documentary Nas: Time is Illmatic.

Listen to 8 new works by this octet comprised of SFJAZZ’s artists in residence and Miguel Zenon, David Sanchez, Warren Wolf, Avishai Cohen, Robin Eubanks, Edward Simon, and Matt Penman. Get a special treat as the program also includes original music by the late great tenor sax player Joe Henderson.

Celtic based folk/punk band Dropkick Murphy’s are known for their rowdy behavior and fans who will sing every song citing their Irish heritage loud and proud. Don’t miss this now rare opportunity to see the boys from South Boston as they take over the Bay area with their hard hitting, fast paced style of rock.

If you like things that go whomp in the night you will love a Bassnectar concert. Anchored in Dubstep but always willing to experiment he has become one of the worlds biggest DJ’s. His inventive style is based in using complex beat rotations with a mix a melodic voices and samples. Let the beat…drop.

Tame Impala hails from Perth Australia but clings to the more UK rooted fuzz rock. The band is no stranger to large stages as the have opened for the Balck Keys and You Am I on Australian National tours. This night promises energetic songs, a rowdy crowd, and maybe a Fosters or some shrimp on the barbie.

The Weeks pound out a newer, harder version of southern rock. Though signed in 2008 they are really picking up steam with their newest release “Buttons”. The Weeks are joined by sludge pop group Clear Plastic Masks whose soun is a mix of echoey blues riffs and tight drums skins with plenty of crash.

Indie folk rock combines a mix of alt-country with full vocals and resonant undertones to create one epic, unique sound. Though their first 2 album focuses more on this sound while the most recent release album keys in a darker set of songs with heavier lyrics of self-sacrifice and determination in the time of trouble.

A bizarre 100 minute intermissionless show that focuses on Hedwig, an East German transgender lead singer and her trials with growing up in a war-torn area. The story features great glam rock music sung by Hedwig onstage with her live band. With Hedwig breaking the fourth wall the whole show it allows you to truly connect with the show.

Teen pop sensation Ariana Grande will be taking the Today Show stage at Rockefeller Plaza for their Summer concert series. The Florida native made her claim to fame starring in a Nickelodeon show and soon segued into her recording career. Though she is only 21 Ariana is already be compared to veteran pop stars like Mariah Carey.

Date: 8/29

San Francisco

Recently Paddleboarding has become of craze in the US. You now have a chance to see what the hubbub is all about. The basic gist is you’re standing on an extra large “surfboard” while using a paddle as a guiding rudder to coast from wave to wave. This water activity provides great workout for your core.

The Garage is uniquely a dance only theatre featuring performers on a weekly basis so you can always get your dance fix.. CODE, presented by LV Dance Collective, is a collection of new works about the search of truth and identity and how that is influenced by cultural expectations. The performances are part of RAW (resident artist workshop).

Date: 8/29 -8/30

Chicago

The nations largest and hippest Jazz Fest in held right in the heart of Chicago’s Millennium Park. See 100’s of bands across 10 stages. This years headliners include Dave Holland w/ Kevin Eubanks, Tom Harrell, Gary Burton, Terence Blanchard w/ Ravi Coltrane, Cecile Mclorin Salvant, and Sun Ra Arkestra. This is the can’t miss fest of Chicago.

If you are looking for a more angsty music fest then North Coast Music festival is only second to Chicago’s Riot Fest. With DJ headliners like Bassnectar, STS9, Alesso, DADA Life and rappers like Kid Cudi and Snoop Dogg this 3 day festival promises to dominate your ear holes and headspace. Union Park plays host to you and thousands or your closest friends.

The music weekend in Chi-town continues with a Country music bash at Soldier Field. Luke Bryan brings his buds along for the “That’s my kind of night” tour. What country show would be complete without a full out tailgate party before the live music featuring food, games, and even more live music.

Date: 8/31

Events this weekend in NYC, San Francisco, Chicago was last modified: August 29th, 2014 by Rick Foresee

San Francisco

Up and coming Garage Rock/R&B artist Curtis Harding will be opening for Punk-Blues/Garage Rock mainstay Jack White this weekend in San Francisco. Jack White has pulled off some epic long concerts this tour filled with songs from all of his side projects and his 2014 release. If there is one Bay Area concert to go to this summer, this is it.

Big Band legend Doc Severinsen performs with the Tommy Igoe Big Band in the last installment of the SFJAZZ summer series. Severinsen is one of the most sought out jazz trumpeters having been the leader of the Tonight Show Orchestra for 25 years. The Grammy winning performer will be performing in the Miner Auditorium.

Date:8/24

Admission: $25 -$65

Chicago

Robyn is undeniably amazing! There is no way you can not like the Scandanivian pop artist; fun, energetic, tells it like it is. What can make a concert better than that? Well, the downbeat electro-pop duo Royksopp can. This trio has been dominating the summer concert market with their exciting spectacle filled tour.

Rhode Island local John McCauley started making his signature blend of alt-country, bar blues, and lo-fi garage rock since a young teen. Now traveling with a full band Deer Tick has big in the Indie music scene for half a decade. Nashville band, The Weeks start the night of with some Southern Rock.

Grab the family and head to the South Loop this weekend for Bash on Wabash. This street fest, Now in it’s eleventh year, has great live bands, food with complete cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, and an area specifically for kid-friendly activities and entertainment. The event takes place on Wabash between 13th and 14th Sts.

Dates: 8/23- 24

Admission: $5 suggested donation

New York City

Celebrating non-conforming diversity of urban culture, the 10th Annual Afropunk Fest will be bigger and better than ever. Focused on the music scene this Fort Greene festival really rocks; from Hardcore punk to Electronic DJ’s. This fest offers a full market for the looking to dress for the occasion.

This new play by Robert O’Hara focuses on the events connected to growing up gay and black. This play is sketched out in vignettes of encounters that deal gay home-life and beyond. It portrays tough subject matter in a light-hearted manner. Due to Graphic content BootyCandy is suggested for audiences 17+.

Putt in the heart of NYC at Bryant Park. Practice perfecting your power, distance, and reading the breaks at this free event for the family. Putters and golf balls will be available for those that don’t want to lug their clubs downtown. Bring on the next Tiger – it’s putting time.

Date: 8/23

Admission: free

Weekend events in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City was last modified: August 22nd, 2014 by Rick Foresee

Chicago

If you are looking into taking a bite of really meaty play, this probably isn’t the one for you.However, if you are looking for some delicious, meaty food and a fun, spectacular evening then look no further. This dinner theatre/ dance revue mash-up highlights the cooking and dancing of celebrity Chef Rick Bayless. The show is pricey, but includes a full dinner and beverages.

The Black Harvest Film Festival continues this week as it celebrates stories and history of the black experience around the world. Films from local Chicago directors and around the world will be showcased at this film fetival hosted at the Gene Siskel Film Center. This weekend enjoy a comedy by Rain Pryor, a family drama by Marian Rondon, and coming of age drama by Hugh Schulze.

Grab your bib and head down, to chow down, at Chicago’s Navy Pier this weekend. Enjoy 25 live bands and, of course, fresh, live East Coast lobster flown in daily. Not a lobster fan? Not to worry, there are other items on the menu. Added bonus; get a prime view of the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Dates:8/16 – 8/17

Admission: $35

New York City

Jump into the 90’s house party that you remember and love with the 90’s cover band the Bayside Tigers. Catch your favorite C and D list celebrities at this one of a kind New York concert. The party is far from whack! Chill on the dopeness all night as a DJ is spinning jock jams and beyond for all willing to party into daybreak.

YEEHAW! The south makes its way to the Northeast. Grab some vinegar or mayo based slaw, a rack of long smoked ribs, and dance your hide off to some authentic bluegrass music. There is a lot of whiskey at this event so if you drive, drink responsibly.

Discover New York’s Flatiron District with the 90-min walking tour. Take in such landmarks as the MetLife Clock Tower, Appellate Court, New York Life Insurance Building, and the Flatiron Building. Learn the history of the treasured classics and the neighborhood that houses them.

Date: 8/17

Admission: Free

San Francisco

Coit Tower was given to the City of San Francisco in 1933 by Lillie Hitchcock Coit to “add to the beauty of the city that she always loved”. In 1934 murals were added by Diego Rivera. From this tower you can get a birds eye view of SF. Walking tours or the building complete with the history of the murals are guided by SF historians.

Delicious eats all across the San Francisco served to you by your favorite restaurant on wheels. The 80+ trucks will set up in various places across SF’s mission district, so be sure to check the official site and twitter to see where your favorite truck is parked. Not a fan of food on wheels? No big, there will be plenty of brick and mortars there too.

Two awesome DJ sets are ready to be spun out this Friday at Mezzanine. Groove down to the funky indie slow jams of L.A. based Poolside. Stick around for the headliner Neon Indian. Going to college in Denton, TX allows for plenty of free-time. Alan Palomo focused on his chillwave, synthpoptastic music making skills. Thus one amazing DJ set.

Date: 8/15

Admission: $15 – $25

This Weekend in Chicago, New York City, and San Francsico was last modified: August 15th, 2014 by Rick Foresee

Chicago

The Chicago Park District provides live music to dance your soles off. From the Charleston to the Wobble, regardless of your age or preference this Chicago family favorite has got your groove. Don’t know the moves? No worries there are instructors on hand to ensure you are moving in time. This weekend offers Mambo and House music.

There are only two more weeks to catch Brigadoon at Goodman Theatre. This musical is set in a mythical Scottish village with vibrant characters that happen to have beautiful voices. This love story follows two lost American tourists, Jeff and Tommy, the latter falls in love with a local girl from the village and he must save her with the power of love.

Come join the Midwest’s largest two-day street fest held in the heart of Boystown. Come for the food and fare and stay for the bands across 3 stages – including Belinda Carlisle, Karmin, and Neon Trees. Note that Halstead is blocked from Belmont to Addison. Stop into one of the local shops to support the cause.

Dates: 8/9 – 8/10

Admission: $10

San Francisco

Anna Halldin Maule’s PERSONA features amazing, hyper-realistic oil paintings of her perception of Glamour. These paintings, at surface level, are paintings of beautiful women, but further are much more. These paints also expose the psychology of what it is to be a women and to live to immeasurable standards of the public standard of beauty.

Fresh and delicious fruits and veggies, beautiful flowers, herbs, and an assortments of meats for the family abound at this 110 year old SF staple. Sift through 2 market places along the Bay and in front of the Ferry Building. As a bonus, enjoy hot and ready meals from farm-to-table restaurants.

San Francisco’s premier music festival is already underway and hopping in Golden Gate Park. There are a variety of venues all across SF hosting late night after shows where you can find all your favorite Outside Lands headliners and side-acts in the comfort of air conditioning.

Dates:8/8 – 8/10

Admission: Varies by venue

New York City

teamLab, a Japanese group of self-proclaimed “Ultra-technologists”, lends it’s math-art-science-tech mash up to Pace Gallery. This fully immersive and innovative mix of art, tech design, and mixed media is the first of it’s kind in America. You do not want to miss this experience. Great for kids and adults, alike.

Date: 8/8 – 8/10

Admission: Free

June Havis Theatre – Midtown International Theatre Festival – June Havoc Theatre parkingMany of the 75 shows premiering at the Midtown International Theatre Festival have already had their run, but there is still time to catch some new works from up-and-coming playwrights. The MITF is in it’s 14th year and is only getting bigger and better with each showcase. Book your tickets now.

Penniless Monty Navarro learns that he is an heir to the noble throne of Highhurst. The catch, he is 8th in line. Follow Monty on his journey to end the lives of those in his way. Tony winner Jefferson Mays ( a tour-de-force on stage) plays a menagerie of characters in this high energy musical murder story.

Date: 8/8 – 8/10

Admission: $58+

Weekend Events in Chicago, San Francisco, and NYC was last modified: August 8th, 2014 by Rick Foresee

San Francisco

Follow the path of Jack Kerouac, Ginsberg, McClure, and Hunter S Thompson as you stroll through the sites that helped define the Beat generation. There are a variety of things to do, but the highlight is the walking tour of the surrounding neighborhood.

SF Playhouse presents the fairy tale musical Into the Woods. Focusing on Grimm classics this musical mashes up timeless stories scored by powerhouse musical icons James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. This is very family friendly!

Ok so this event is mid next week, but it’s a definite can’t miss. Beyonce and Jay Z (RIP “-“) have been tearing up football and baseball stadiums this summer as they perfomr thier first full length tour together. Get your Pop, R&B, and Rap in a one-stop shop.

Dates: 8/5 – 8/6

Admission: $85+

Chicago

This exhibit highlights works – largely already housed in MCA Chicago – that tie in art to decoration and design. Most of the works highlight social issues. The paintings deal with gender and race issues as well as historical improvements of these issues throughout time.

This weekend Lollapalooza 2014 comes to the Windy City. The annual festival held in Grant Park will contain 3 days of the worlds biggest DJ and bands. Headliners this year include Eminem, Skrillex, OutKast, Kings of Leon, Calvin Harris, and Arctic Monkeys.

Interested in seeing some great bands at Lolla, but not willing to pay an arm and a leg to stand outside all day? Then head over to the Metro to see some great Lolla aftershows. Grouplove, Spoon, Glen Hansard, and Fitz and the tantrums take the stage all week.

New York City

Frank Lloyd Wright is an icon in America architecture. 60 years ago on the very site of the Guggenheim two structures, designed by Wright himself, housed his life’s work. This exhibit pays homage to these two buildings and their creator.

Broadway’s new obsession focuses around a struggling family-owned boot factory in London and the sassy drag queen diva that saves the operation. Winner of Six Tony’s including Best Musical this show is fun and appropriate for the whole family.

If you like things that go WHOMP in the night then you have to see Feed Me at Terminal 5 this weekend. Feed Me’s dub/ electro-pop hybrid is the perfect weekend dance music. Grab some friends, some energy drinks and get Hell’s Kitchen best concert venue.

Date: 8/2

Admission:$30

This weekend in San Francisco, Chicago, and NYC was last modified: July 30th, 2014 by Rick Foresee

San Francisco has loads of exciting events happening throughout the summer. The Bay Area provides the perfect summer atmosphere to take full advantage of what the city has to offer. So grab a blanket, sunglasses, a sweet fanny pack, a ParkWhiz parking pass and head to the fest of your choice. With all the San Francisco summer festivals, you should never be bored. We have highlighted some suggestions below. No excuses.

You can catch free live music and events almost everyday in San Francisco’s Union Square. Catch a quick family friendly show at 12:30 PM or 6 PM on weekdays and Sundays at 2 PM. Hang out with friends, family, or co-workers and take in the sights and sounds of San Fran’s finest local entertainment. Take a break from working or shopping with live tunes.

A summer of sweet, sweet jazz can be all yours if you are in San Francisco in June. Quintets, Quartet’s, Octets, Big Band, Swing, Latin Bossa Nova … you name it, they’ve got it at the SF Jazz Festival. Held nightly in the SFJAZZ Center this event is, in my opinion, the one San Francisco Summer Fest not to miss.

The most fantastic Pride Celebration in the US happens in the Civic Center district of San Fran. This celebration kicks off with live music and crafts on June 28th, but the real spectacle happens the next day. Post up for the parade that will travel down Market St from Beale to 8th. Delight in the festive costumes, the smiling participants, and the fabulous floats!

This epic 3-day festival of great musicians, artists, beer, and food is the perfect back to school treat. Roll out to SF’s Golden Gate Park and groove out to headliners Kanye West, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Tiesto, Death Cab for Cutie and many, many more. The tickets are now sold out, but chances are you can find a deal on Seatgeek,

Taking place at the end of Summer Harvest is a cultural celebration for all ages. The Moon Festival in San Francisco’s Chinatown district is the largest party in neighborhood all year. Get in the action with 200 arts and crafts booths, daily parades, and so much delicious food. The more food in your belly, the more fun you’ll have.

Other Summer San Francisco Treats

Fishing District doesn’t really sound all that appealing when you are in a big city. However, in San Francisco it is one of the top “to-dos”. With 100’s of shops, fresh seafood, and a variety of cruises, Fisherman’s Wharf has something for everyone. Into checking out the sights on a Segway tour? Done. Love marine life? Head into Pier 39 and laze around with the Sea Lions. Have a thing for weird celebrity wax figures? Well, Madam Tussaud does too, and she put them in a museum on Fisherman’s Wharf, just for you. Don’t miss this San Fran staple this summer.

Even cities with a less “rat race” feel, like San Francisco, can provide that overwhelming feeling. Take a breather and stroll in the beauty and calm of Yerba Buena Gardens. Every Tuesday this summer feel free to pick up some fresh-from-the-farm produce at the Farmer’s Market. The park also offers a Children’s learning garden to make sure those kids know how much work goes into making those veggies they leave on their plate. At the end of your day take some reflecting time at the MLK Jr. memorial at the largest fountain on the West Coast.

Need a night of A.C. and culture? Look no further than A.C.T., an institution committed to providing world-class theatre and theatre education. This venue features works from young, up-and-coming playwrights and travelling Broadway shows alike. There are a variety of wonderful theatres, and I suggest you catch a show at everyone of them, if you can, but A.C.T. is a great starting point.

One hot dog + one cold brew + one souvenir bat = one amazing time at the San Francisco Giant’s At&t Park. There is no better summer experience than taking in a game of baseball. Why not stop on by and take in a game? There are plenty of summer seats; depending on the game, tickets are as low as $12 on the SF Giant’s official site.

If you are in the area there are plenty of San Francisco Summer festivals and other events to make your trip that much better.

San Francisco Summer Festivals 2014 was last modified: May 28th, 2014 by Rick Foresee

San Francisco Sunday parking meters have been enforced in high traffic commercial areas for the last year. This new-er initiative, geared to keep the turnover near storefronts at a constant while helping fund a hurting MUNI budget, has helped to decrease cruising around for a parking space and has increased off street parking by 13%. Wins all around, right? Not according to city officials. San Francisco Mayor, Ed Lee, would like to completely do away with Sunday enforcement of meters and focus more on bond and taxing initiatives to support the public transportation throughout the city.

Mr. Lee’s reason for nixing the already successful San Francisco parking program is his concern for the small amount of revenue that the program is generating, though the city is still issuing citations at a high rate. San Fran’s transportation director Ed Reiskin, who was appointed by Mayor Lee, stands behind the mayor’s recommendation, but suggests not enforcing parking constraints as heavily as an alternative. This would mean that you could park at a meter on Sunday without paying, but there is a possibility you would get fined, essentially putting the guess work in the parking process.

Yesterday the city took Mayor Lee’s suggestion to stop the “nickel and diming” of San Francisco’s drivers to a vote. The SFMTA board voted unanimously to stop charging drivers for Sunday metered parking, citing the public would be more inclined to support an approaching $500 million general transportation bond measure and approve a taxable vehicle license fee to recoup the funds lost from the Sunday meters.

You can read the full analysis of the San Francisco parking meter, and how it was helping drivers finding accessible on and off street parking, as well as helping local entrepreneurs here.

Current Parking Perimeters for Sunday until July 1st

As of January 2013, parking meters are in effect all days of the week, including Sundays. Meters are enforced from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays with four hour time limits or longer. Meters in Fisherman’s Wharf continue to operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Most meters in the Port of San Francisco jurisdiction (along the waterfront and on some side streets) will continue to operate from 7 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. every day. When in doubt, check the meter for hours of operation.

Seeing as parking will be harder to find by reverting back to free Sunday parking meters, you can still find a guaranteed parking spot in the facility of your choosing on ParkWhiz.com

Happy Parking!

San Francisco to allow free Sunday metered parking…again. was last modified: April 18th, 2014 by Rick Foresee